The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Minnesota That’s Nothing Short Of Magical

One of the best things about the holiday season is how much effort people put into creating the best holiday displays. Inflatable snowmen, huge, elaborately decorated Christmas trees visible from the street, reindeer staged on the roof – there is no shortage of creative ideas. Even a simple light display can be all it takes to turn a cold winter street into a cheerful winter wonderland. With this Christmas lights road trip through Minnesota, you’ll be able to experience some of the most magical displays around.

This route starts in Duluth and works its way south to its final point in Mankato. It's just over 300 miles, so it may take a few nights to see the whole thing. Feel free to do the entire route, or to use it to help you plan your own road trip. Find the route here.

When you've had enough of Bentleyville, you might as well head over to the other amazing light display in Duluth. This one is located on Park Point, and it's nestled right on the beach. You'll walk through arches of lights before being greeted by the amazing sight and sound of Lake Superior. The lights start on December 9 at 5:00 will last until January 17. Address: 3739 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802

Duluth is lovely at any time of year, but there's something about it that makes the holidays particularly special. Perhaps the display most worthy of a road trip is Bentleyville. With thousands upon thousands of glittering lights to walk through, it is a must-see. Free food and beverages add to the atmosphere, as do the thousands of cheery holiday celebrants who pass through this spectacular display of lights each year. This year, Bentleyville is open at 5:00 every day from November 19 through December 26. Address: 700 West Railroad Street, Duluth.

Holiday Lights in the Park is an annual driving tour that benefits the St. Paul Police Foundation. Wethout even getting out of your car, you'll get to feast your eyes on 60 fun displays. The lights run from November 22 to January 1 and turn on at 5:00 every night. There is an $8 charge per vehicle. Address: Phalen Regional Park, 1600 Phalen Drive, St. Paul.

Next up is Plymouth Lights at in the Minneapolis suburb of Plymouth. This huge display will brighten up even the darkest winter night. Better yet, it's programmed to play along with the radio. The lights are on for the entire month of December, except Christmas Eve. Address: 16700 33rd Avenue North, Plymouth.

Not far from Plymouth Lights, the PD Shimmers display is not only beautiful, but it highlights an important cause. Check it out for one month starting on November 25. Address: 4320 Ithaca Lane North, Plymouth.

A bit further south from Plymouth, the Trista Lights offer a trippy show to all who stop to see. It may be a newcomer, but the lights are nothing short of magnificent - definitely worth the stop. Check 'em out starting at 6:00 p.m. through the month of December. Address: Trista Bend, Minnetrista.

This classic display makes the trip because it comes with a twist. When passersby tune in to radio station 87.9, they'll notice that the lights blink in tune with the music. It's mesmerizing - you'll want to park your car and stay a while. Address: 3850 Pascolo Bend
Chaska.

This well-known display is also synchronized with a radio station - this time 88.1 - making it another great place to pause and enjoy the holiday spirit. The show starts after dark at the end of Thanksgiving week. Address: 1815 Red Oak Ridge, Carver.

When you visit, look for the blue star high above a house - that's how you know you've reached MN Harmony Lights. Why is that important? Because there just might be another light display across the street. Two displays in one trip? Worth it. Address: 16374 Harmony Path, Lakeville.

It may be a bit more off the beaten track than some of the displays on this trip, but it wouldn't be here if it weren't for good reason. This is one of the largest displays in Minnesota, with the elaborate lights taking over much of Sibley Park. Definitely one to add to the bucket list. This year, the display is open November 25 through December 31. It opens at 5:00 each night. Address: 900 Mound Avenue, Mankato.